Cheat stole £6,000 plus in benefits

PUBLISHED: 14:56 05 August 2009 | UPDATED: 10:56 23 August 2010

A WOMAN is due to be sentenced next month for falsely claiming more than £6,000 in benefits. Patricia Buckwell, of Wallis Park, Northfleet, pleaded guilty to benefit fraud at Maidstone Crown Court. The court heard she falsely claimed £3,138 in income su

The court heard she falsely claimed £3,138 in income support, £2,467 in housing benefit and £892 in council tax benefits when she appeared last Wednesday.

Gravesham Borough Council and the Department of Work and Pension began investigating Mrs Buckwell after she submitted a benefit claim form containing her partner's details, but at a later date claimed he had not moved in.

Her partner lived in the family home at weekends but worked away in the week.

Adrian Warburton, Cabinet Member for Transformation, said: "This sends a clear message to anyone on benefits who has had a change of circumstances but has not yet reported it."

Mrs Buckwell is due to return to court on September 1 for sentencing.

If you suspect someone is claiming benefits illegally contact Gravesham Borough Council between 8am and 5pm on 01474 33 72 31, text 'fraud' with details to 07781 48 05 21, visit www.gravesham.gov.uk/ fraud or leave a message on the 24-hour voice mail service on 01474 33 74 00.